Kerala BJP Announces Statewide Protests Over Sabarimala Demands
In a significant political development, the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) state election committee in Kerala has resolved to organize extensive protest programs across the state. The decision was made during a crucial meeting held on Tuesday in Thiruvananthapuram, where party leaders finalized three key demands related to the Sabarimala temple controversy.
Three Core Demands for Sabarimala
The BJP's protest agenda centers on three specific demands that the party insists must be addressed by the state government. First, the party is demanding that the Kerala government file a fresh appeal before the Supreme Court to uphold the traditional customs and observances at Sabarimala Temple. This move aims to reinforce the protection of long-standing religious practices at the revered pilgrimage site.
Second, the BJP is calling for the immediate withdrawal of thousands of cases registered by Kerala Police against individuals who participated in protests concerning women's entry into Sabarimala. The party argues that these cases represent an unjust targeting of devotees and activists who were exercising their democratic rights.
Third, the party remains steadfast in its demand that the investigation into the sensational gold heist at Sabarimala Temple be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). BJP leaders believe that a central agency probe would ensure a more transparent and thorough investigation into the high-profile theft.
Election Committee Meeting Details
Following the election committee meeting, BJP state general secretary S Suresh addressed reporters, confirming that the party would launch protest programs throughout Kerala to amplify these demands. The meeting involved comprehensive discussions covering all 140 legislative assembly constituencies in the state, with particular focus on specific constituencies that hold strategic importance for the upcoming elections.
Suresh revealed that leadership representatives from every constituency participated in deliberations regarding potential candidates and the broader political landscape. The high-profile gathering was attended by prominent BJP figures including national general secretary Vinod Tawde, who oversees assembly elections in Kerala, and state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
Grassroots Feedback and Decision Process
In preparation for the meeting, BJP officials implemented an extensive feedback collection process across Kerala's 14 districts. Two state-level officials personally gathered opinions and insights from representatives of all 140 legislative assembly constituencies. This grassroots input was systematically compiled and presented to the election committee for thorough discussion and consideration.
Suresh explained that the state election committee has begun forwarding its decisions to the central parliamentary board for further review. Additional discussions are scheduled regarding constituencies where the BJP and its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners will field candidates. Once these deliberations are complete, the finalized list will be submitted to the central leadership, which will then proceed with the official announcement of BJP candidates.
The meeting also saw the participation of BJP state vice-president Shone George, underscoring the party's coordinated approach to both electoral strategy and the Sabarimala issue. This dual focus reflects the BJP's determination to address religious concerns while simultaneously strengthening its organizational presence ahead of crucial state elections.
